If we haven’t talked about Riley Kidney much lately, it’s because there’s a reason.
The forward has been left out of the Laval Rocket’s last six games because his coach doesn’t trust him.
The striker’s last match was more than three weeks ago (December 22) and that suggests that he is no longer part of Pascal Vincent’s short-term plans.
Vincent Demuy (BPM Sports) chatted to the Rocket pilot about Riley Kidney and there, we realize that the options regarding the center player are not unlimited.
Things are going so badly for him this season that the leaders in Laval discussed the idea of sending him to Trois-Rivières… And Vincent added by saying that the possibility is on the table.
That says a lot:
Kidney, at 5 feet, 11 inches (190 pounds), is known as a reliable forward in all three zones of the ice.
He also collected 100 points or more in his last two seasons in the QMJHL and it is no coincidence that the CH decided to select him in the 2nd round during the 2021 draft.
But as we can often see, young players who are productive in junior are not guaranteed immediate success when they make the jump to the professionals.
Riley Kidney had a respectable first year in Laval (20 points, including seven goals in 65 games)… But it’s been more than difficult since the start of the 24-25 campaign.
He only collected seven points (one goal) in 24 games…
In Trois-Rivières, the attacker could have what he doesn’t have in Laval: quality playing time.
It is by playing often and it is by being placed in a quality role that he will be able to regain his confidence. He can’t show off with the Rocket… Because he just doesn’t play.
But would a stay in Trois-Rivières mean that Kidney will never have the chance to one day play in the National League? Not necessarily.
We saw players who played in the ECHL and who came back to the top like Mason Marchment, Michael Bunting, Ben Chiarot, Brett Kulak, Vincent Desharnais… You understand the principle.
That said, Kidney had better get back on track… Otherwise, he will never play a single game in the NHL.
In burst
– When Tage Thompson is healthy, we’re talking about one of the best forwards in the NHL.
– I believe in it.
– Sick !
– Oh yes?
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